ePetition details
No to Twinning with Nablus
We do not support Brent's Twinning with Nablus on the following grounds:
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: It is our opinion that considerations are not met. Brent is a diverse borough, and we believe that the majority of the various communities have not been consulted on this issue. The proposal to twin has not given due regard to the effects of this decision to those residents with protected characteristics which include, along with the Muslim community, Jews, Christians, Jains, Sikhs, Hindus and the LGBTQ community. Brent’s objectives should be to enhance community relations and cooperation, and this proposal will undermine this objective as it appears sectarian in its nature.
Sharing knowledge: It has been reported that Nablus is the home of militant groups such as ‘Lions’ Den’ and we would not wish Brent’s residents and especially its children, to be subject to its rhetoric.
Tourism. In reality, tourism is not realistically possible for most people, including students of Brent, to Nablus. Jewish, Christian and LGBTQ communities are unlikely to be made welcome. This goes completely against the spirit of mutual co-operation and the rationale for twinning. In addition, Foreign Office advice is against all but essential travel to Nablus.
Peace should be Brent Council’s aim for any twinning.
Seven out of fifteen of Nablus’s Council are Hamas backed
(Carter centre report), a proscribed group by the UK Government. We
therefore consider that it is inconsistent with reasons for
twinning.
Given constraints on Brent’s resources, Brent should
prioritise its time and money on local issues.
Furthermore, Brent’s own report on this subject suggests
that such a twinning might lead to disharmony amongst the people
who make up Brent’s diverse community.
https://www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/news/peace_publications/election_reports/west-bank-gaza-expert-mission-municipal-elections-final-report-041522.pdf
(p31-32)
Started by: Ian Collier
This ePetition runs from 26/05/2025 to 07/07/2025.
1277 people have signed this ePetition.